Love cycling? Look out for these five sun dangers.

Whether it takes you on an adventure to Canada’s West Coast or simply gets you from A to B, cycling can entail non-stop exposure to the sun, which can cause skin damage if you are not properly protected. Here are the five dangers you need to be aware of when cycling, and tips to protect yourself.

Sunburn

Sunburns are the most visible problem for the cyclist’s face. The great outdoors leaves you exposed to the elements, the face and hands often being worst. Applying broad-spectrum sunscreen with a SPF of at least 30 or higher, with extra attention on your ears, nose and neck, 15 minutes before sun exposure will protect your skin from sunburns. We recommended Sport Endurance SPF  50+, water & sweat resistant (80 minutes) sun protection that offers a high protection, even on wet skin. Water-resistant sunscreen tends to be better for the face, especially if you are putting in some miles, as you don’t want the sweat to remove your sunscreen! Reapply it every two hours for optimal protection.

Cloudy days and UV rays

Cloudy days can be a danger because they often trick cyclists into thinking they are safe from UV rays. However, UV rays are emitted by the sun; if the sun is out, so are UV rays. On an overcast day, UVA rays, which age skin, can penetrate clouds and still affect your skin. To keep them out of touch, make sure to apply sunscreen even when it’s cloudy outside.

Midday sun

The sun’s UV rays are most powerful between 10 am and 4 pm. Try not to cycle during these times; if you must, stay in the shade as much as possible. Also, take extra care to apply sun cream every two hours.

Cycling is a wonderful sport for people of all ages, a practical way to travel, and a great activity to stay in shape. Make sure to keep potential dangers at bay to ensure you fully enjoy your time on the road!